Tour de France 2017

For the first time since 1992, participants will cross France's five major mountain ranges - the Vosges, the Jura, the Pyrénées, Massif Central, and the Alps - during Tour de France 2017.

Suffice it to say that mountains will be more or less omnipresent in this edition of the "Big Loop," which will start in Germany (Düsseldorf) before continuing on through Belgium and Luxembourg the following day.

This year, the Tour's favorites will distinguish themselves when climbing the enormously steep mountains, especially in one of the last mountain stages through the Izoard Pass in the Alps - a day that could very well decide the winner of the Tour de France 2017!

Steeper than Ever

Tour de France 2017's 3,516 km (or about 2,185 mile) path can be characterized by less-frequent, but very steep mountain climbs, allowing top competitors to stand out in the epic struggle for first place. The ninth stage over the Jura Mountains between Nantua and Chambéry is considered to be one of the most difficult in the history of the race.

20% Gradient Slopes

The big event for climbers will be in the Pyrénées, over a 100 km (62 mile) stretch between Saint-Girons and Foix. On the schedule: roads with 20% gradient slopes alongside the Planche-des-Belles-Filles and the Peyragudes.

Arrival in Marseille's Orange Vélodrome Stadium

The celebrations aren't just geared towards mountaineers, though! Each participant will have the opportunity to distinguish themselves, especially during a timed race alongside the Mediterranean with a finish line in the heart of Marseille's Orange Vélodrome. The last stretches of a Tour de France stage haven't gone inside a sports arena since 1979.

Inside the Grand Palais

At the end of three weeks of competition, participants can expect to race through another peculiar site: the majestic Grand Palais in Paris. Several indoor laps will take place under its famous arches before rejoining the traditional grand finale sprint on the Champs Élysées.